Most engineers hold themselves back by waiting too long to act. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how speed of decision-making drives value in your career and projects. Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can use right now.
Key Topics Covered
• Why projects bleed money from slow decisions, not big mistakes
• How to spot critical path items and move them forward early
• Why fear of being wrong keeps engineers stuck
• The hidden cost of long email chains vs. quick calls
• How urgency creates leverage with clients and leadership
• Detaching your ego from being “right” to accelerate progress
• Using bad ideas as stepping stones to great ones
• Why volume of decisions creates more data, faster learning, better outcomes
• The power of short communication loops to speed up clarity
• How to handle pushback when others resist fast action
Actionable Steps
• Map project tasks and mark which ones have long lead times
• Pick one critical path item this week and move it forward without waiting for perfect data
• Replace one long email with a direct phone call or desk visit
• Use emails only as records of decisions already made
• Throw out ideas quickly, even if rough, to spark faster collaboration
• Ask experienced colleagues about timelines and milestones to front-load preparation
• Plan contingencies in advance to reduce hesitation later
• When you get pushback, analyze whether it’s about the process or about their comfort level
• Walk while thinking—use movement to clarify conversations before they happen
• Track how much faster results come when you cut waiting loops
Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers stuck in analysis paralysis, afraid to be wrong
• Burned-out contributors buried under endless emails and “busy” tasks
• Early-career engineers trying to prove their value quickly
• ICs overlooked for leadership because they hesitate instead of act
• Anyone tired of watching projects stall from indecision
Why It Matters
Leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about moving the work forward, faster, and learning as you go. The more decisions you make, the more opportunities you create—for yourself, your team, and your career. Speed creates visibility, impact, and trust.
Where to Listen
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts
Share
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